When you’re choosing timber for a statement piece of furniture, the decision often comes down to two Western Australian favourites: Jarrah and Marri. Both are stunning. Both are durable. And both bring something entirely different to your home.
But how do you decide which one is right for your space and your style? The good news is that once you understand how each timber behaves, looks and ages, the choice becomes surprisingly clear. So let’s get into it, one timber at a time.
The story behind Jarrah and Marri: From WA forests to your home
The Jarrah tree (Eucalyptus marginata) is the southwest of Western Australia’s gift to furniture lovers. This slow-growing hardwood thrives in the region’s rich soils and Mediterranean climate, developing a dense, tight-grained timber with deep, reddish-brown hues.
For generations, Jarrah was prized for its toughness. In fact, it once formed the backbone of railway sleepers, shipbuilding and outdoor structures. Today, Jarrah is celebrated not just for its strength and timeless beauty, but for how effortlessly it can be shaped into heirloom-quality tables, benches and cabinets that can last for decades.
The Marri tree (Corymbia calophylla), on the other hand, tells a story through its striking natural patterns. Stretching across Western Australia’s forests, Marri stands out instantly for its golden-brown tones and dramatic gum veins.
Unlike Jarrah, it grows a little faster. This gives it a slightly softer, more approachable feel, while staying durable for everyday use. What makes Marri truly special, however, is its character. Every board showcases distinctive patterns, swirling grain and natural knots that give your furniture a story all its own.
Jarrah vs Marri: Colour and grain differences
Jarrah and Marri don’t just differ in origin. Their look and character are worlds apart. Here’s how their colours, grains and textures set them apart:
- Jarrah: Rich, red-brown tones run deep through every board. Its straight, tight grain gives a smooth, polished surface that catches the light beautifully. Jarrah works effortlessly in classic dining tables, sleek cabinets and modern interiors.
- Marri: Warm golden-brown hues with honey highlights. Bold, irregular grain patterns and natural gum lines give each piece unique character and texture. Marri shines in coffee tables, sideboards or feature furniture by adding a rustic charm that creates a striking focal point to your chosen space.
To sum it up, if you love warm, uniform colours, Jarrah is a strong choice. If you want distinctive patterns and natural highlights, Marri will stand out.
Durability matters: Comparing Jarrah and Marri for your furniture
Both Jarrah and Marri are solid, long-lasting Australian timbers, built to stand the test of time. But each has its own strengths.
- Jarrah: One of Australia’s hardest native timbers, Jarrah’s extremely resistant to dents, scratches and everyday wear, so it’s an excellent choice for heavily used furniture, like dining tables, benches and kitchen islands. Jarrah furniture ages gracefully as well, deepening in colour and developing a rich patina over the years.
- Marri: Slightly softer than Jarrah, but still strong and reliable, Marri’s beauty lies in its grain and natural patterns, which make it perfect for coffee tables, sideboards and display cabinets, where character takes centre stage. Even with regular use, Marri develops a warm, lived-in charm that only adds to its appeal.
Jarrah vs Marri: Which timber suits your style?
Deciding on Jarrah or Marri isn’t just a choice of colour or strength. What matters just as much is how each timber sets the mood and style of your home.
- Jarrah: Jarrah’s rich colour and even grain make it a timber that looks solid and effortlessly stylish. A Jarrah dining table, for instance, naturally draws everyone together for long, memorable dinners. Whereas a coffee table or TV console adds grounded character to your living room.
- Marri: With its golden-brown tones and bold, eye-catching patterns, Marri turns furniture into a statement. Live-edge tables, coffee tables, or accent pieces showcase its natural grain, giving instant character to any rustic or nature-inspired space.
Easy tips to keep your timber looking fabulous
No matter which timber you choose, a little care goes a long way. With just a few simple steps, you can keep your Jarrah or Marri furniture looking stunning for decades, letting each piece age gracefully and tell its own story over time.
- Dust regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and keep the surface looking fresh.
- Protect from spills: Coasters, placemats, or trivets are your furniture’s best friends, helping prevent stains and water rings.
- Shield from sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade colours over time, so keep pieces out of harsh rays to preserve their rich tones.
- Polish occasionally: A mild, timber-friendly polish can refresh the wood and bring out its natural grain without overdoing it.
Discover the perfect Jarrah or Marri piece for your home
At Jarrimber, we craft every piece to highlight the natural beauty of WA timbers. Whether you love Jarrah’s deep, rich tones or Marri’s golden, character-filled patterns, each item is handcrafted in our Perth workshop with the utmost care and precision.
Because every piece is made to order, you get more than furniture. You get a unique, long-lasting addition to your home, designed to perfectly suit your style and space. We work with you to choose the right timber, size and finish.
So why put off adding that perfect centrepiece to your home? Explore our Jarrah and Marri collections today and find a piece that’s made for you.